The New York Rangers are still in a win-now period, but that window is rapidly closing. With a new coaching staff, an active offseason thus far, and the hope that this team has short-term memory, 2025-26 should be a successful season.
This summer, President and General Manager Chris Drury has all eyes on him. After stepping out and putting this team on full blast for most of last season, it is now time to back up these guys with some new pieces. There has to be a sense of urgency, and these free agent signings must be swift and absolute. Aggression is a must here if the Rangers want to return to the playoffs and be a contender once again.
There are three free agents that jump off the page of the unrestricted free agents list that could be fantastic fits. Any of them is a must for the Rangers.
Brock Boeser
The Rangers went out and brought back J.T. Miller from Vancouver, and he was a wonderful addition last season. What better way to aid him than to bring one of his best teammates in Vancouver? Brock Boeser has to become a Ranger this summer.
He will cost a pretty penny, though, but it will be worth it. Boeser fills the gap made with the departure of Chris Kreider to Anaheim, and after some shuffling of lines, he could fit right back in with Miller's line.
Brad Marchand
"The Rat" proved he can still compete at the tender age of 37. Brad Marchand was incredible in his stint with the Florida Panthers, and he was a big reason why they won their second Stanley Cup. Now, as a free agent, if he does not take a team-friendly deal with Florida, the Rangers can use him if the vibe is that they want to win now.
Marchand could also be a good replacement for Kreider on the left side of the top six. This signing seems more like a pipe dream, considering the odds are in favor of Florida re-signing him. Three-peat loading in the Sunshine State?
Vladislav Gavrikov
Outside of Boeser, this signing makes the most sense in terms of trying to be aggressive this offseason. Vladislav Gavrikov would fix the hole for the first defenseman to play on the left side of Adam Fox.
After hitting some career-highs last season with the Los Angeles Kings, Gavrikov is going to be due a ton of money this offseason. But, the defense was inconsistent last season, and changes need to come for a chance at 2025-26 being a successful season.